1973 Lotus Elan Plus 2
Highlights
- Upgraded with a modern 2.0-litre Zetec twin-cam and five-speed gearbox
- Restoration and modification by Spyder Cars
- Recent engine rebuild, new radiator, expansion tank and cooling fan
- Advisory-free MOT valid until 30th June 2025
The Appeal
While Colin Chapman’s first love was motor racing, as Lotus became more established during the early ‘60s, it was decided that Hethel’s model range should be headed up by a 2+2. The brief was that the car “must be capable of transporting two adults and two children 1,000 miles in comfort with their luggage” and the first running prototype was ready by 1965. Two years later, the “Plus 2” entered production.
Much like the regular Elan, the Plus 2 was twin-cam engined, light and utterly superb to drive. A high list price ultimately put pay to its widespread appeal, but those in the known knew the Elan Plus 2 was the best-driving British 2+2 on the market.
This 1973 example has been further enhanced by the fitment of a Ford Zetec engine in 2015. This upgrade is very in keeping because of the long-standing bond between Ford and Lotus, and we feel Chapman would have approved if he were still alive to see it. There are a raft of other mechanical enhancements, making this one very fine driving car indeed. The vendor acquired the car in 2022 and has recently rebuilt the engine, ensuring this Lotus is in a very fit state ready for its next custodian.
Elsewhere, it remans highly original - so you’ll no doubt embarrass a few modern hot hatches at the traffic lights!
The History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD example
- DVLA lists previous colour as “brown”
- Eleven former registered keepers
- 7,963 miles indicated
- Over £5,000 spent during the recent engine rebuild
- V5C present
- The invoice for the 2015 mechanical upgrades amounts to £19,566.67
- The file also contains spec sheets, dyno readings and several other notable invoices
The Condition
- “Lagoon Blue” paintwork
- Smart fibreglass bodywork with well-fitting doors both sides
- Minilite 4.25” P.C.D. bolt-on alloy wheels 6Jx14
- 185.60/14 Goodyear tyres
- Small chips to the paint and slight corrosion to the brightwork - but nothing especially noteworthy
- Working pop-up headlamps
- Replacement leather interior
- Beautiful Moto-Lita steering wheel
- Some modern touches
- Modern Pioneer radio
- Rear seat harnesses fitted
This Plus 2 looks immensely smart thanks to a full bare fibreglass re-spray. During the restoration, it was taken back and repaired where needed and then painted in this beautiful blue colour. Anyone who’s ever tried will know fibreglass is challenging to paint, but this is very well done. There is some localised spidering to the finish a few years on, but besides these small blemishes and the odd chip elsewhere, this is a very presentable car.
Like the Elan, the Plus 2 features pop-up headlamps which keep the clean, aerodynamic shape of the front end. The vendor demonstrates that the vacuum system works well and the bulbs emit a bright, white light.
You sit very low in a lotus which inspires a feeling of close connection with the road. Lowering yourself into this example, you find the interior cleverly mixes the original with the tastefully modified.
There is a dark stain on the front passenger seat, but otherwise all appears well with the upholstery, headlining and carpets.
The steering wheel is just that, a wheel to steer the car. Not some high-tech computer that is more of a distraction than a help. This Lotus has been fitted with a lovely wooden and metal Moto-Lita item which is a joy to use.
The veneers present very well for their age with just a few small imperfections and the dashboard is in smart order. The vendor notes that the glovebox catch requires repair, but the door does open and close regardless.
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre 16v, DOHC Ford Zetec engine with fuel injection
- Ford MT75 five-speed manual gearbox
- Four-pot Wilwood brakes
- Uprated Spyder suspension
- 162.3 hp dyno reading
- Smart engine compartment with period-style Lotus branded cam covers
- Recent engine rebuild and mechanical overhaul
- Detailed spec sheet included in the gallery
It’s under the bonnet where this Lotus gets really special…
Long gone is the original Lotus Twin-cam in favour of a 2.0-litre 16v, DOHC Ford Zetec engine with fuel injection. This is then mated to a Ford MT75 5-speed manual gearbox.
These upgrades afford this Plus 2 modern reliability and performance. There is a dyno sheet showing a healthy 162.3hp, and when you then consider its weight of 863KG unladen, makes for a pocket rocket that might even leave supercar owners red in the face.
The brakes were upgraded to four-pot Wilwood items so it should stop as well as it goes.
If you’re curious to read all of the particulars and numbers then the technical specification from Spyder Cars can be found in the photo gallery.
There is no doubt that you will enjoy every drive out in this Lotus. Its modern heart and ancillaries just inspire confidence.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Lotus
- Model Elan
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 7,963 Miles
- Engine size 2000
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Wimbledon
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
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